Furkan Korkmaz Has Arrived
Almost four years ago, the Sixers selected Furkan Korkmaz 26th in the NBA draft. The Turkish guard, well-respected for his dunking ability overseas (yes, you read that correctly) came to the Sixers as a project from Anadolu Efes of the Turkish League.
He had a nice jump shot and decent offensive game, but was slim and not likely ready for the athleticism of the NBA.
After his second stint in the NBA’s Summer League last year, it appeared as though Korkmaz was prepared to break out and be a contributing player for this team. His summer campaign featured a dazzling 40-point performance against the Celtics and there was ample faith around the Sixers that he would break into head coach Brett Brown’s rotation in the 2018-2019 season.
But, his season was somewhat derailed by a knee injury and a measly 33% clip from beyond the arc. Following his 47-game season, most expected Korkmaz to leave the City of Brotherly Love.
It was even rumored on Twitter that he signed a deal to return to Europe to play.
Thank goodness that rumor was false.
Korkmaz has exploded this season and has been a refreshing presence during the Sixers somewhat sluggish 2020 campaign thus far. The “Turkish Delight”, as Sixers announcer Marc Zumoff has dubbed him, has risen his average to 10 points per game and is now shooting nearly 40% from three-point range, good for best on the team.
Over his past 13 games, he is scoring nearly 16 points per game and shooting an astounding 45% from three on nearly eight attempts per game.
When he came into the league, it was well-documented he had a pretty jump shot. With a high release and great balance, it was evident Korkmaz had great potential as a spot-up shooter.
The difference this season has been his release time. In the Sixers’ contest with the Chicago Bulls, Korkmaz poured in 31 points, following up his 34 points against the Grizzlies, and hit numerous contested threes that forced him to catch and release very quickly.
And as his shots have fallen with more consistency, he has expanded his game quite a bit as well. He has been steady from the wing three-point position, but has also elevated his paint scoring. As he continues to shoot well, defenders are starting to overplay him on the perimeter, which has allowed him to cut backdoor frequently.
This season, 16% of his shots have come inside of two feet and that is mainly thanks to his cutting and constant movement. Sixers fans should watch Korkmaz closely as he is almost always moving, a trait that he likely picked up from watching JJ Redick for two years.
Sixers fans have had the luxury of watching Ben Simmons play phenomenal basketball of late and when Simmons is playing well, he makes his teammates so much better. Exhibit A, Furkan Korkmaz. Korkmaz and Simmons have developed impressive chemistry as both have found each other for alley-oops and backdoor cuts.
Korkmaz has been fantastic for the Sixers this season on the offensive end and it is something the team has sorely needed with their lack of shooting. But fans should also be excited for Korkmaz himself. This was a player who was on his way out of the NBA, but thanks to a second chance from general manager Elton Brand, he is now thriving and bringing fantastic energy to a somewhat lackluster Sixers team of late.
Brand has been heavily criticized for several of his offseason moves, but bringing back Korkmaz was certainly the right call. And credit to Brett Brown as well.
There have been few pieces of evidence supporting Brown’s ability to develop players, but Furk has certainly thrived in his new role.
Featured Image: NBC Sports
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